Johnson started working in radio when he was 16. "I've pretty much had an interest in it," he says of his career choice.
He worked at that first radio station in Viroqua, Wis., for 13 years. He has also worked at a station in Prairie du Chien, Wis., (same owners) and then came to KNEI in 2006.
A great part of his job is being able to listen to music and being paid doing it. He also likes the thought of keeping people company while they listen to the radio.
The hardest part of working in radio is when the weather is bad and his job goes from entertaining listeners to ensuring their safety during severe weather.
Johnson says it can get pretty hectic at the station with tornado warnings coming in, trying to broadcast the warnings, and people calling the station for information, "but, it's gratifying to know we help keep people safe," he said.
A day in the life of... Josh Blake, KNEI Radio
By Julia Benson
jtbenson1@acegroup.cc
It's 3 p.m. and that means it's time for Josh Johnson to head into the broadcast room at KNEI for the second half of the on-air portion of his day.
As soon as he steps into the room, he becomes Josh Blake (Blake is his middle name), which is the on-air name he's had since he was a teenager. "I thought it was cool at the time," he says of having a radio name. Since then, it has stuck.
The "on air" light comes on and Johnson introduces the next song, which fills the entire office... Just the good ol' boys... Never meanin' no harm... Waylon Jennings' voice brings back memories about a popular TV show about two quite handsome young men, a Dodge Charger and a pair of short shorts.
"When I'm on the air it's a lot of keeping the songs rolling and keeping people informed about what's going on in the tri-states," says Johnson.
He plays music that has been listed on a play list determined by ABC Radio, which is the network KNEI is affiliated with. The format for the station is called "Real Country."
He follows the format, which consists of playing songs ("Today's Country Starts and Legends") and advertisements, giving listeners information about the tri-state area, giving the weather conditions, and explaining station promotions (right now the station is planning to give away a Harley Davidson).
At 4 p.m. Johnson starts taking requests for songs either by telephone or e-mail. When listeners call the station, he records their conversation. After talking to the listener, he finds the CD with the song, edits the recording of the phone call to just the listener's voice, and broadcasts live his side of the conversation.
"Hello, KNEI," Johnson says into the microphone. Then he hits the button and the listener's pre-recorded voice makes the song request.
Johnson then leans into the microphone, "Sure, I can do that for you." And then he plays the song.
Johnson says there are some listeners who call often, so he has gotten to know their voices. He says that some listeners think it's neat to meet people on the radio, but he says he is the fortunate one. "I think it's a big deal to meet a listener face to face." He explains that after hearing only their voice, it is a privilege to meet his listeners face-to-face.
"I try to play as many as I can that will fit into the two hours," says Johnson of his request show from 4 - 6 p.m. He says that sometimes rainy days bring more requests because people are stuck indoors, so they listen to their radios.
He also says that during spring planting and fall harvest seasons he gets a lot of requests from farmers. He even gets requests from kids riding the bus home from school.
"Hopefully I entertain someone out there. I try to be a friend on the radio," says Johnson. He adds that in winter, there are people who don't get out, so he realizes he might be their link to the world.
He says that he tries to remember that when he's on the air, although he is talking to thousands of people, to the listener, he's interacting one-on-one.
Johnson's Day
He arrives at the KNEI radio station in Waukon, Iowa, at about 8:30 each morning. He checks his e-mails for public service announcements and community information to be put into the folder for broadcasting.
He also checks for anything that has to do with the production side of his job, which he gets to after his on-air stint from 9 - 11 a.m.
At 11 a.m. Johnson exits the broadcast room and puts on his production hat. He uses a multi-track computer program called Adobe Audition which layers sound effects, music and voice overs to create advertisements and liners (station ID).
"We make it more interesting for the listener," he says, adding that the goal is also to try to generate business for the advertiser. Johnson works at production until 3 p.m., trying to find time to squeeze in lunch.
At 3 p.m. he's back in the broadcasting room until 6 p.m. Again, he follows the set format, but from 4 - 6 p.m. He takes requests from listeners.
At 6 p.m. Johnson is done at the office and heads home to wife Aimee and his two children Olaf, 5 and Henrik, 2.
Johnson says he loves to spend time with his family, playing with the boys, picnicking, visiting the Minnesota Zoo, and going out to eat.
Chuck Bloxham, KNEI General Manager says that even though Johnson is done at 6 p.m., his job is 24/7. While at home, Johnson monitors the weather in case the radio station needs to make weather-related announcements.
"He's very dedicated," says Bloxham who says Johnson also does some of his production work at home and then e-mails it back to the station. "I can always count on him," adds Bloxham.
Reader Comments
Posted: Thursday, September 10, 2009
Article comment by:
Arnie Johnson
Great article for a great guy. I am proud to call him my son.
Posted: Thursday, September 10, 2009
Article comment by:
Casey Keating
I live in Los Angeles and listen to Josh on line. Thank you for sharing this story with your readers, KNEI is one of the few stations left in the US with live, local personalities. This makes a big difference in the lives of local listeners, not just because of the music, but because KNEI is a reflection of the community. A station such as KNEI is vital for saftey inforamtion, and as a source of community news. Josh does radio the way it was meant to be done. I can listen to his show and know exactly what it is like to live in Spring Grove. Congratulations on a fine story about a person who is making a difference. I also wish to commend Wennes Communications for allowing Josh to do great local radio.
Posted: Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Article comment by:
Bonnie Hammes
Great article for a great guy. Been a pleasure to know. Keep up the good work.
Posted: Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Article comment by:
Katie Hurley
Great article!! What a hard working young man who also demonstrates great family values. The community is fortunate to have him working for them. Proud of him!!
